English players’ absence not felt in Indian Open

Hyderabad, March 26 (IANS) The pull-out by English badminton players Carl Baxter and Rajiv Ouseph from the Indian Open on security grounds will have no adverse impact on the high profile tournament. The second edition of the Yonex-Sunrise Indian Open Grand Prix began at Gacchibowli Indoor Stadium here Wednesday and the Badminton Association of India (BAI) said they are confident of the tournament’s success.

The England players withdrew from the tournament after being advised against the trip by the British Foreign Office in London.

BAI officials said they received a communication from the players stating they were advised by the foreign office to withdraw.

The recent attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in neighbouring Pakistan is believed to be the reason behind British authorities’ move.

Another British shuttler Andrew Smith had pulled out earlier due to injury soon after the All England Super Series in the first week of March.

National badminton coach P. Gopi Chand said the absence of a few players will have no impact on the tournament.

“World No.1 Lee Chong Wei and top players including Taufik Hidayat are participating in the tournament. The tournament is getting all the help from the police and the security arrangements made at the venue are of top level,” he said.

The tournament is a test for the organisers before the World Championships scheduled to be held here in August.

Gopi Chand, a former All England badminton champion, hoped that the successful and smooth conduct of this event would allay any apprehensions in the minds of the participants in the World Championship.